Andrew Singleton at McSweeney’s explains the “inner workings” of AI companies, with “examples to help the average layperson understand the business side of AI.” Example 3:

Jenny owns a crematorium. John’s propane company gives her a $20 billion investment in return for 5 percent of her operation. Jenny throws $10 billion into the incinerator, then pays John $10 billion to buy propane to burn that money to ashes. John reports that his AI investments have generated $10 billion in revenue this quarter and that he owns 5 percent of a $100 billion business.